Preparing for an outdoor fall wedding? Here are some seasonal tips for a magical experience
Fall weddings at Sutton Barn Wedding Venue offer a magical combination of vibrant colors, crisp air, and a cozy atmosphere that many couples find irresistible. The allure of an outdoor wedding during this season is undeniable, but it also comes with unique challenges and opportunities. If you're considering a fall wedding in the great outdoors, here are some essential tips to ensure your big day is everything you've dreamed of.
Embrace the Season’s Natural Aesthetic
One of the greatest advantages of a fall wedding is the natural beauty that comes with the season. The foliage, with its rich reds, oranges, and yellows, provides a stunning backdrop that requires little additional decoration.
Choose a Venue that Highlights Nature: Our wedding venue sits on 165 acres of rustic, outdoor beauty. The property features mature trees, ponds and lakes and other outdoor favorites that make for spectacular photo locations. See our Photo Gallery for more!
Incorporate Seasonal Elements into Your Décor: Use pumpkins, gourds, and autumn leaves as part of your décor. Rustic elements like wooden signs, lanterns, and hay bales can enhance the fall ambiance.
Warm Color Palette: Choose a color scheme that complements the fall foliage. Deep burgundy, burnt orange, mustard yellow, and forest green are popular choices. Accentuate with gold or copper for an added touch of warmth and elegance.
Sutton Barn Wedding Venue is the perfect location for a fall wedding.
Plan for Unpredictable Weather
Fall weather can be unpredictable, with fluctuating temperatures and the potential for rain. Being prepared for any weather scenario is crucial.
Have a Backup Plan: Sutton Barn has plenty of indoor/outdoor spaces available in case of rain or other inclement weather.
Provide Comfort for Your Guests: If the temperature drops, offer blankets or shawls to your guests. A cozy fire pit or outdoor heaters can also make the evening more comfortable.
See our special heating packages that include outdoor heaters and bonfires!
Bonfires and heaters are available for when the temps start to drop. A perfect end to your perfectly magical day!
Dress for the Season
Choosing the right attire for a fall wedding can be tricky, as you want to strike a balance between style and comfort.
Layer Up: Consider dresses with long sleeves or add a stylish shawl, cape, or jacket to your ensemble. Bridesmaids can also wear shawls or wraps that match their dresses.
Footwear: If your venue is outdoors, opt for sturdy footwear that can handle uneven terrain. Brides might consider wedges or boots rather than traditional heels.
Consider the Groom and Groomsmen: Darker suits in rich fabrics like wool or tweed are both stylish and practical for fall weddings. Adding a pop of color with ties or pocket squares that match the season's palette can bring the look together.
Seasonal Food and Drink
Fall is a season known for its rich, comforting flavors, which should be reflected in your wedding menu.
Autumn-Inspired Menu: Consider serving seasonal dishes such as butternut squash soup, roasted root vegetables, and apple cider-braised meats. Incorporate fall flavors like sage, rosemary, and cinnamon into your dishes. Sutton Barn Preferred Vendors have a wide variety of catering options.
Signature Cocktails: Warm your guests with seasonal cocktails like spiked apple cider, hot toddies, or a cinnamon-infused whiskey sour. Mulled wine or pumpkin spice lattes can also be fun additions.
Desserts: Instead of a traditional cake, consider a dessert table featuring fall favorites like apple pie, pumpkin cheesecake, or caramel-dipped apples. If you opt for a cake, decorate it with seasonal fruits or flowers.
Seasonal treats are a great way to please your guests and add special autumn touches to your magical day.
Thoughtful Guest Experience
Ensure your guests have an enjoyable experience by considering their comfort and needs.
Seasonal Welcome Bags: Greet your guests with welcome bags filled with fall-themed goodies. Include items like mini bottles of apple cider, cozy socks, and hand warmers.
Outdoor Essentials: Provide essentials like umbrellas, hand warmers, or even bug spray if you're in a wooded area.
Comfortable Seating: If your ceremony or reception is outdoors, provide comfortable seating with cushions or blankets. You might also consider offering a cozy lounge area with sofas and chairs where guests can relax.
Lighting and Ambiance
As the sun sets earlier in the fall, lighting plays a crucial role in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
String Lights and Lanterns: Hang string lights around the venue to create a soft, romantic glow. Lanterns or candles can be placed along pathways or on tables for additional warmth.
Fire Pits: Sutton Barn can add both warmth and ambiance with fire pits located throughout the venue. They’re also a great spot for guests to gather and enjoy some post-dinner conversation.
Sparklers: Consider having a sparkler send-off as a fun and festive way to end the night. The twinkling lights will look magical against the evening sky.
Stunning Photography Locations On-Site
Fall offers unique lighting and scenery that can make for breathtaking photos, but it also presents some challenges. See our Gallery for all photo sites on the property.
Golden Hour: Schedule your photoshoot during the "golden hour," which is the hour before sunset when the light is soft and flattering. This will give your photos a warm, golden hue that complements the fall colors.
Capture the Foliage: Work with your photographer to incorporate the fall scenery into your photos. Whether it’s a walk through the woods or a shot in front of a vibrant tree, the natural beauty will enhance your images.
Weather-Related Props: Consider using umbrellas, boots, or cozy blankets as props if the weather turns. These can add a charming, rustic element to your photos.
Our famed willow tree is a favorite location for couples. Wait until the "golden hour" when the sun starts to set to capture some amazing photography!
Fall-Themed Invitations and Stationery
Your wedding stationery is the first impression guests will have of your wedding, so why not set the tone with a fall theme?
Seasonal Designs: Incorporate fall elements like leaves, acorns, or pumpkins into your invitations. Earthy tones and textured paper can also add to the autumnal feel.
Calligraphy and Fonts: Choose fonts that reflect the rustic and elegant vibe of the season. Handwritten calligraphy or vintage-inspired fonts can give your invitations a timeless look.
Eco-Friendly Options: Consider using recycled paper or plantable seed paper for a sustainable and nature-friendly option.
Entertainment and Activities
Keep your guests entertained with activities that embrace the fall season.
Lawn Games: Sutton Barn offers cornhole and other fun amenities for your guests.
S’mores Station: A s’mores station by the fire pit can be a fun and interactive dessert option for your guests.
Live Music: Consider hiring a folk band or a solo acoustic guitarist to play during the reception. The warm, rich tones of acoustic music pair beautifully with the fall atmosphere.
A fall outdoor wedding is a celebration of nature's beauty, offering a rich tapestry of colors, flavors, and experiences. By planning carefully and embracing the season's unique offerings, you can create a wedding day that is as memorable as it is beautiful. From the crisp air and cozy attire to the warm lighting and seasonal fare, every detail contributes to a magical experience that you and your guests will cherish forever.
